Senate Bill 0340

DIGEST OF SB340 (Updated April 20, 2005 2:42 pm - DI 84)

Child abuse and neglect; adoption proceedings; GAL/CASA funding. Requires the court to determine whether a person, licensed child placing agency, or county office of family and children placing a child for adoption has provided required documents to the prospective adoptive parents before granting the adoption. Provides that if a person representing the state files a motion to dismiss a child in need of services petition, the person must provide a statement that sets forth the reasons for requesting the dismissal. Provides that the court shall, not later than ten days after the motion to dismiss is filed, grant the motion or set a date for a hearing on the motion. Requires the person, licensed child placing agency, or county office of family and children placing a child for adoption to give the adoptive parents a report concerning nonidentifying information concerning the birth parents at the time the home study or evaluation concerning the suitability of the proposed home for the child is commenced. Provides that if the court sets a date for a hearing, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or a court appointed special advocate, or both, to represent the best interests of the child. Adds court appointed special advocates (CASA) to the list of individuals who may: (1) petition a court to order a custodian to obtain counseling for a child; (2) petition a juvenile court to modify a dispositional decree; and (3) receive a notice of an initial hearing concerning a children in need of services (CHINS) petition. Permits the county office of family and children to request that a juvenile court appoint a CASA for a child. Provides that a court may make certain CHINS reports available to a CASA. Prohibits a sex offender from adopting. Provides that guardian ad litem or CASA programs certified by the supreme court are eligible for certain funding.